All the managers and leaders think about vision a lot – but the problem is that it isn’t well communicated. Usually a vision statement is crafted and written on a piece of paper and brought out only in new trainee orientation or in leaders speeches. Often, the vision makes its way on mugs and T-Shirts.
But this is not how vision should be communicated. Leaders should put life in vision. They should communicate it in a way that stirs everyone to their souls. That shows people the wonder of an improved future and infuses them with hope. That gives them a reason to believe again.
Author went to a two day conference of schools. There were 120 people in room. Just as an exercise they asked people to tell stories that link them to their vision. The principal of one of the largest schools stood up and talked about a young boy who had just graduated from their school. He stood out from other kids because he was homeless -- by choice. He didn’t want to be separated from his mother so he did not get accommodated with his friends. And after that struggle he ended up graduating with a full-ride scholarship to a college of his choice.
That two-minute story worked in a powerful way to reconnect those overworked and underpaid educators to the core reason they went into this line of work in the first place.
Heroes shape the culture of an organization, giving it form and substance and breathing life into it. They turn an organization into a living entity, taking it out of the “institution” category and plopping it into the “organism” category.
They make every one realize that Organization is the people.
Heroes give flesh and bones to the vision, helping people see what’s right in front of their eyes. And the best heroes make everyone else in the organization realize t ...